Found this on Church Mag. Pretty Interesting stuff:
Archive for the communication Category
Text Less, Think More?
Posted in communication, culture on 03/13/2012 by mark novelli
A recent article by Stephen L. Carter states — 13 to 17 year olds average seven texts “every waking hour,” or roughly one every 8 1/2 minutes!
Here are a few other observations of note that he makes:
My worry is that the ubiquity of texting may accelerate the decline of what our struggling democracy most needs: independent thought. Indeed, as texting crowds out other activities, it must inevitably crowd out inactivity — and there lies a danger. For inactivity and thinking are inextricably linked.
…when the rest of the world thinks we are idle, the brain, if properly trained, is following its own path. Only then, he contends, are we truly thinking. The rest of the time we are analyzing and reacting, but our thoughts are then determined by responses to the thoughts of others. Unless we spend time in reflection — in idleness — we can never truly think thoughts of our own.
I could not agree more. I think our devices are making our personal thought lives crowded. Instead of riding an elevator or waiting in line at the store—I am looking at my phone.
This immediately made me think about how important it is for us to structure our conferences, church gatherings and learning environments to include space for reflection, processing and thought.
Chipotle – Back to the Start
Posted in communication on 02/13/2012 by mark novelliLOVED this commercial I saw last night on during the Grammys.
Are we trying to fit old things into the new form?
Posted in communication, culture, technology on 01/27/2012 by mark novelliInteresting thoughts from Marshall McLuhan.
“When any new form comes into the foreground of things, we naturally look at it through the old stereos. We can’t help that. This is normal, and we’re still trying to see how will our previous forms of political and educational patterns persist under television. We’re just trying to fit the old things into the new form, instead of asking what is the new form going to do to all the assumptions we had before.”
How might this apply to the internet? To the way we gather?
[HT: Michael Novelli]
A Coke commercial is a metaphor for the Kingdom?
Posted in communication, culture on 11/03/2011 by mark novelliI was recently at the Missional Learning Commons last week and one of the discussions we had was around thinking of new metaphors for the Kingdom. This commercial came to mind and I immediately searched for it on YouTube. For me, it depicts (in a caricature-esque way) how we are to be looking to join God in restoring our cities to places of compassion, love and justice. Enjoy!
Ideas from a math teacher that could change how you teach
Posted in communication, creativity, learning on 09/21/2011 by mark novelliI think Dan Meyer’s approach to learning is brilliant. What struck me is how the principles of his approach apply to all kinds of learning, not just math.
Do any these issues sound familiar when thinking about those attending our church gatherings? Lack of initiative / perseverance / retention / aversion to word problems / Eagerness for formula
Especially in our shifting culture, I think his suggestions for helping learners are relevant: Use Multimedia / encourage student intuition / ask the shortest question you can / let students / be less helpful
I firmly believe that we need to push ourselves to embrace new learning methods in our gatherings, especially Church gatherings. This starts with empowering our congregations to discuss, imagine, explore, visualize, interact, experience – rather than sit and listen to a lecture or performance.
Let’s lead the innovation towards deeper learning environments!
How Students Use Technology
Posted in communication, culture, technology on 08/16/2011 by mark novelliThis is an interesting info graphic about how college students are using technology. I think it’s important to pay attention to how the emerging generations are being shaped by and shaping technology – in order to better understand them and create learning environments that they will engage in. (click on image for a larger version, thanks to michael novelli for the link).
music video created from fans through instagram
Posted in communication, creativity, culture, events, gatherings on 08/03/2011 by mark novelliI thought this was a pretty cool viral idea – let fans create it by upload pictures. I think this idea has potential for many different settings – I am specifically thinking about community gatherings.
Check it out HERE.
MTV turned 30 today.
Posted in communication, culture on 08/01/2011 by mark novelliHere is the first video aired on MTV.
